FAQ: Using Xbox 360 as an Extender

Here are answers to some common questions when using an Extender for Windows Media Center.

• What if my extender can’t connect to my PC?

• How do I “uninstall” my Xbox as an Extender?

• How do I use the Network Performance Tuner?

• Where can I find help with troubleshooting?

What if my Extender cannot connect to my PC running Windows Media Center?

To establish a connection, your PC and Extender must be on the same subnet.

If the only firewall running on your computer is Windows Firewall: verify that the Media Center Extenders check box is selected in the Windows Firewall exceptions list.

If you are using a non-Microsoft firewall: you might need to manually open the ports that are listed in the table below. However, some firewalls are already configured to allow an Extender to connect to a PC running Windows Media Center.

Learn more: Firewalls and Extenders

Application		Port	Protocol	Scope
ehshell.exe		554	Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)	Local subnet only
ehshell.exe		5004 and 5005	User Datagram Protocol (UDP)	Local subnet only
ehshell.exe		8554-8558	TCP	Local subnet only
ehshell.exe		50004-50013	UDP	Local subnet only
ehshell.exe		7777-7781	UDP	Local subnet only
svchost.exe		1900	UDP	Local subnet only
svchost.exe		2177	TCP	Local subnet only
svchost.exe		2177	UDP	Local subnet only
svchost.exe		3390	TCP	Local subnet only
system		10244	TCP	Local subnet only
mcx2prov.exe		Random	Random (uses TCP and UDP)	Internet
mcrmgr.exe		Random	Random (uses TCP and UDP)	Internet

Troubleshooting steps:

• Verify that both the Extender and PC are turned on. Also, make sure that the computer is not in Hibernate or Sleep mode.

• If you are using a wired connection, make sure that the Ethernet cable is plugged into the Ethernet port on the Extender.

• If the Extender is connected to the network using a wireless connection:

  • Make sure the Extender is within range of the wireless access point or router with as few obstructions as possible between the Extender and the access point.

  • Make sure that both the computer and Extender are connected to the same router.

  • If your wireless network uses a security key, verify that you have the correct network security key for the type of wireless network security method that your network uses.

• Try re-starting the PC running Windows Media Center computer, the Extender, and your network hub, router, or switch.

You can try to determine where the problem is occurring by connecting your Xbox 360 directly to your Windows Media Center computer by using a regular Ethernet cable.

• If Xbox 360 can connect to your PC, then the problem might be occurring with the router, hub, or switch and the settings on them. However, if your Xbox 360 and PC still cannot connect, the problem might be associated with a setting on your router, hub, or switch alone or in conjunction with a firewall setting.

Other things to consider if your Xbox 360 won’t connect to your PC running Windows Media Center:

• Make sure that you know the user name and password for an account that has administrative privileges on your PC running Windows Media Center. You must be able to provide this information when prompted for Extender Setup.

• If you are using a fingerprint reader or another security program on your computer, you might need to change the program's settings before an Extender can be connected to the computer. If the security program does not include a setting that resolves connection issues, you'll need to uninstall the program to use an Extender.

• If you have Windows Live OneCare installed on your computer, select the Connect my Xbox 360 or “Media Center Extender to my Media Center PC” check box in the Windows Live OneCare Firewall Connection Tool.

• Make sure that your PC is not joined to a domain. If your computer is connected to a domain, remove the computer from the domain, and then go through Extender Setup again.

How do I uninstall my Xbox 360 as an Extender?

You might choose to uninstall the Xbox 360 if you want to set up the Extender again with different settings. Or if you previously connected the console to one PC running Windows Media Center and you want to connect the Xbox 360 console to a different laptop or PC, you must first remove any existing connection between the Xbox 360 console and the first computer.

When you uninstall Xbox 360 as an Extender, the Media Center Extender account (named MCX1 by default) is removed from your computer and all settings for the Extender are removed as well. After you uninstall the Extender, you can add it again at a later time.

To remove the Xbox 360 Extender connection, you must perform steps on both Xbox 360 and on the PC.

1. On your Windows Media Center computer, start Windows Media Center.

2. On the start screen, scroll to Tasks, and then click settings.

3. Click Extender, and then click the Xbox 360 console.

4. Click Uninstall.

5. Follow the steps in the Extender Uninstall wizard to uninstall the Extender.

6. On your Xbox 360, use your Xbox 360 controller to scroll to My Xbox, select System Settings, and then select Computers.

7. Select Windows Media Center, and then press the A button.

8. Select Disconnect.

9. Press the B button repeatedly until you return to the System Settings screen.

10. If the Xbox 360 console has a hard drive or a memory card, on the System Settings screen, select Memory.

11. Select Hard Drive, select Games, select Xbox 360 Dashboard, and then select Windows Media Center.

12. Select Delete, and then press the A button.

13. Press the B button repeatedly until you return to the System Settings screen.

How do I use the Network Performance Tuner?

If you are using a wireless network, there may not be enough network bandwidth. You can test your network bandwidth, whether you are using a wireless or wired network connection, by using the Network Performance Tuner in Windows Media Center.

1. Start the Extender.

2. On the Start screen on the Media Center Extender, scroll to Tasks , and then select Tune network .

3. Follow the steps in the Network Performance Tuner to determine if there is enough available bandwidth on your home network.

Where else can I find help for troubleshooting Extender issues?

Here are some links to other resources that might help you find solutions to problems you might encounter when using Xbox 360 as an Extender for Windows Media Center.

• Go to the Microsoft Support Site. On the Microsoft Support site, type Xbox 360 in the Search Support (KB) search box, and then click the Run the search button. You can then filter your search results for Windows Vista.

• Go to The Green Button to get help from the Windows Media Center community.